PUBLIC SERVICE OFFICERS (Compulsory Retirement Age)

Mr Goh Tong Liang asked the Chief Secretary whether he will make a statement on the Government's policy regarding the compulsory retirement age of officers of the Public Service.

Mr Goode: Sir, it has been decided that future entrants to the civil service should normally be required to retire at 60 years of age, with provision for retirement at 55 years in individual cases at the option of the officer or at the option of the Government. In order that the terms and conditions of service of serving officers should not be affected, the normal age of retirement for serving officers remains at 55, and I hope to introduce a Bill into this House shortly to give effect to these principles.

Mr Lim Choon Mong: Is it not a fact, Sir, that the retirement age was extended to 60 recently and then after that it was rescinded?

Mr Goode: Yes.

Mr Lim Choon Mong: In view of the fact that we are going on with Malayanisation, there would be a definite shortage of experienced officers and would that not affect the smooth running of this Malayanisation scheme?

Mr Goode: I would rather not prejudice the Report of the Malayanisation Commission.